Dulwich Hamlet missed the opportunity to move back into the top three in the Ryman League Premier Division on Wednesday night after slipping to their third consecutive away league defeat at Grays Athletic.

The win was secured for the home side with an 8th minute goal from Freddie Ladapo, whose far post header after a fine cross from Jey Siva, gave keeper Phil Wilson no chance.

However, prior to the goal and for most of the rest of the game it was the hosts who carried the most threat.

Dulwich did have a chance to equalise on 20 minutes when Bagasan Graham took the ball off a defender on the edge of the box. His shot beat Conor Gough in the home goal but was deflected for a corner by Jay Leader.

Grays had control of the remainder of the half but it was close to half time before Wilson was called upon to make a meaningful save even though the Hamlet defence were often at full stretch to repel the wave of attacks.

In fact, 4 minutes from the break a clever free-kick from an acute angle saw Xavier Vidal find the side netting with Gough motionless on his line.

The second half didn't bring any greater joy for the large number of travelling fans. Other than an overhead kick from Jamie Guy that flew too high, the game was mired in a midfield battle that saw the home side comfortably in control without really looking like they would finish off the below par visitors.

However, Hamlet rarely threatened and the closest they came was with 3 minutes remaining as Kevin James threaded the ball through to Dean McDonald but his first touch was poor and Gough easily claimed.

Grays now go on to face Harlow town on Saturday 13th September at Mill Field in the FA Cup. KO 15:00

Video footage
Ladapo's winning goal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY-hvUMBVcI&feature=youtu.be

Interview with Jey Siva from Footballexclusives.com
http://footballexclusives.com/video/jey-siva-insists-grays-athletic-worthy-winners-against-dulwich-hamlet/

Interview with manager Jody Brown from footballexclusives.com
http://footballexclusives.com/video/jody-brown-admits-grays-athletic-have-work-to-do-despite-win-over-dulwich/